Singapore has ‘alternative sources’ for eggs even as Malaysia signals of limiting exports

Faced with the prospect of limiting of exports of eggs from Malaysia, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has said that Singapore has a ‘wide-range of alternative sources’ for eggs in line with its food diversification strategy.

The response of AVA came after Malaysian Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it was looking into limiting or stopping the export of eggs to ensure sufficient supply for its domestic market.

Last year, egg imports from Malaysia made up 73 per cent of Singapore's egg consumption. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia

He also said that they will also investigate if there are elements of cartel activities in Malaysia causing the price of eggs to increase consistently every week for the past several months.

In a statement issued, AVA said, “Our importers are still getting their usual egg supplies from Malaysia. Nevertheless, in line with our overall food diversification strategy, we have a wide range of alternative sources for our eggs, including our local farms.”

AVA also said that last year egg imports from Malaysia made up 73 per cent of Singapore's egg consumption.

Local egg farms of Singapore produce about 27 per cent for domestic consumption while less than 1 per cent was imported from accredited farms in Thailand, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

The NTUC Fairprice says that about 40 per cent of its eggs come from Malaysia, and prices have increased by 5 per cent in the last week.

However, the company has practised diversified sourcing to ensure a stable supply.